Xander Schauffele kicked off 2025 sluggishly. He played at the Kapalua, carding 17 under par, and tied for 30th after arriving as the odds-on favorite.  The world no. 2 mysteriously skipped the next two events, the Sony Open and The American Express. He is also not competing at the Farmers Insurance Open, missing out on his hometown event for the first time in a decade. His manager cited medical issues for his absence, but rumors swirled that he was making the switch to LIV Golf.

Last year as well, Schauffele made headlines for a probable move to LIV, but his father was quick to shut them down, saying his son is chasing legacy, not money. So, for now, a switch to LIV is out of the question. But a vague update citing medical issues really puts you in confusion, but now there is some clarity.

On January 19, Todd Lewis of the Golf Channel shared that the 2x major winner is battling with his long-known right rib injury. In a tweet, he explained, “World #2 @XSchauffele has been bothered with a right rib injury since late last year. It is not skeletal but instead soft tissue. Played through issue at @TheSentry but resting now and not making any full swings. Not playing hometown event this week. Uncertain about @attproam.January 20, 2025.”

He is resting for now; obviously, he has to, after all, Masters is fast approaching. It was believed that after sitting out of Torrey Pines, Schauffele would compete at Pebble Beach for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but his participation in that event is under a cloud now.

His absence from the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego, raised eyebrows especially since he was able to participate at The Sentry and TGL’s opening match. It will be the first time since 2015 that he has failed to play the Farmers Insurance Open, with a best result of T2nd back in 2021.

Early in his career at Torrey Pines he struggled to make an impact but has improved over the years. Schauffele has claimed four top-25 finishes across the last six Farmers Insurance Opens.

Meanwhile, he has played the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am twice in his career, ending T54th and T66th in 2024 and 2017, respectively.  Schauffele’s injury update will be a dampener for him and his fans, especially after a strong 2024 season.

He won two major championships and rose to the No. 2 in the Official World Golf Rankings last year. Moreover, he also had top-10 finishes in all four to cap one of the best major championship seasons in recent history and he found himself in the conversation regarding the best players in the world.

However, his recent two outings have seen his stock dip a little and the recent injury update has the fans worried. He finished T41 in his final start of 2024 at the Zozo Championship and T30 to kick off his 2025 at the Sentry. Understandably, golf fans came forward to show their support for Schauffele, hoping for a quick recovery.

Fans unite, hoping for Xander Schauffele’s speedy recovery

A golf enthusiast commented, “Tough start to the new season—Scottie, Xander, Jordan….,” referring to how all three players have been struggling with injury issues at the beginning of the season. Scottie Scheffler got injured while he was cooking for the Christmas dinner, and a glass bottle broke, purging glass strands into his right palm that were impossible to remove by hand. So, he had to go in for surgery.

The 28-year-old was slated to return at The American Express last week but withdrew to continue his recovery. Scheffler has been out of action since winning the Hero World Challenge in The Bahamas on December 8, and he is not in the field for The Farmers Insurance Open.

Jordan Spieth, who had wrist surgery done last year after the St. FedEx Jude Championship is also yet to start the season. His expected return is also at the Pebble Beach.

Another fan speculated that it might have gotten worse at the 1st TGL match. They wrote, “So he aggravated it at TGL, leading to the WDs.” Xander Schauffele played last at Tiger Woods’s tech-infused league on 7th January. His next match is on 21st January, where he is not listed to compete for his team, New York Golf Club against the Atlanta Drive Golf Club.

There was one interesting social media user who just bashed LIV golf, saying, “Well hopefully this will satisfy the inquiring minds of LIV who demanded the players tell them why they withdrew from these tournaments. But I’m certain this won’t be good enough for them, and they will simply say it’s all lies. LOL” Schauffele had been in talks about joining LIV Golf more than one time in the past, especially after his PGA Championship victory in May of last year. But his father dismissed any chances of it happening.

Stefan Schauffele said, “No chance. Xander is not chasing the money. Xander is about legacy. And as my opinion — just as his father — there was never a chance.” But the rumors haven’t died down, with some linking his absence to LIV Golf, but as it turns out that isn’t the case.

Schauffele went through 2024 without an injury, but the year prior, he did withdraw during the second round of the Sentry due to a back injury. It is hoped that he can make a return to  AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

“Professional golf can’t afford lengthy periods of inactivity from the few stars they have. Some of these event fields/leaderboards don’t generate much interest. Little wonder why viewership is down,” another fan chimed in. At the conclusion of last season, Jay Monahan was optimistic saying, “Everything is on the table,” when it came to adding innovation and excitement for the new year. But with the world’s number one Scottie Scheffler yet to participate in an event this year plus Schauffele’s injury update, the viewership is going to take a hit. Moreover, two-time major champion Collin Morikawa will also not be in the field at Torrey Pines, making it a difficult start to the season for Monahan and Co.

One fan shared the news while wishing Schauffele a quick recovery. “Update on Xander, who is unable to play at Torrey this week. Hope he heals up and can get back out there soon,” they wrote.

We too wish for Schauffele’s speedy recovery!